Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain staked a claim for a more regular involvement in the Arsenal side as he struck a brace to see off Reading in the fourth round of the EFL Cup.
The England winger recently expressed his unhappiness at his lack of game time at the Emirates Stadium and had completed 90 minutes on just two occasions this season heading into the clash with the Royals.
Despite not featuring as much as he would like, Oxlade-Chamberlain has now scored five goals this season - his best return since he joined in 2011 - as he struck in either half to give Arsene Wenger's much-changed side a 2-0 victory and a place in the last eight of the competition.
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Arsene Wenger: “My belief is that Jeff [Reine-Adelaide] is ready to play because he has it all in his locker – the strength, the physical power, the technical level.
"He has to add efficiency to his game – that will come with games as well – but he will have an opportunity to show that I am right about him.
“And part of a career is to grab your opportunity when you get it. So for Jeff, tonight could be an important night, but I am confident he will do well.”
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Hello and welcome to Standard Sport's live coverage of Arsenal's EFL Cup tie with Reading. The last time these two met in this competition we were treated to a 7-5 thriller - more of the same today please! Stay tuned for team news and all the build-up. Kick off is at 7:45pm.
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